TX HB538

Postsecondary educational institutions must release transcripts or certificates of completion to students upon request, with certain exceptions for students with outstanding financial obligations

Students with unpaid debts to institutions not subject to federal regulations may still obtain transcripts if they have been unenrolled for at least 5 years, provide a job posting or statement of intent to enroll elsewhere, and have made good faith efforts to pay (such as entering a payment plan)

Transcripts released to students with outstanding debts must be sent directly to the prospective employer or educational institution rather than to the student

Institutions may charge a reasonable fee for releasing transcripts or certificates, but the fee must be the same for all students regardless of whether they owe money to the institution

Removes the ability of institutions to withhold official transcripts from students who were erroneously classified as Texas residents and owe tuition differences, though certificates and diplomas may still be withheld